Tecumseh Council Connect - April 22, 2025

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Council Connect: Highlights from April 22, 2025, meetings of Council

Regular Meeting of Council

Community, Sport and Historical Society Operating Agreements: Council received a report to consider updates to Operating Agreements with several local community, sport, and historical organizations, creating a more consistent and transparent framework for the use of Town parks, facilities, and sports fields. These agreements recognize the long-standing volunteer efforts of these groups and aim to support their future planning, scheduling, and budgeting. By-Laws were adopted to authorize the execution of 5-year Operating Agreements with the Optimist Club of St. Clair Beach, the Tecumseh Area Historical Society and the Sandwich South and Area Historical Society. A follow-up report and additional agreements with sports field user groups will be presented at the May 13, 2025, Council meeting.

Tiered Medical Response Agreement: Council approved an updated Medical Tiered Response Agreement with Essex-Windsor EMS, allowing Community Safety to continue responding to certain medical emergencies alongside paramedics. The new agreement includes minor updates that clarify when the Fire Department is required to respond, especially during high-demand situations, and outlines the use of medical supplies provided by EMS. These changes help maintain current service levels while improving clarity and response efficiency.

Update to Manning Road Farm Lease Agreement: Council approved a new one-year Farm Lease Agreement for the Town-owned lands near Manning Road with local farmer, Paul Jobin, for the 2025 crop year. The lease follows the same terms as previous agreements and sets a rate of $225 per acre, totaling $4,050 plus HST. The agreement outlines the farmer’s responsibilities and allows the Town to reclaim the land with 90 days' notice if needed for municipal use.

Appointment of Hearing Officer for the Town’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System: Council approved the appointment of Sarah Jacobs of Jacobs Dispute Resolution as the Hearing Officer for the Town’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. Ms. Jacobs brings over 20 years of municipal law experience and will support a fair and efficient hearing process. The appointment is part of launching the Town’s AMPS program on May 1, which will enforce Town by-laws such as Property Standards, Noise, and Fireworks.

Larviciding for the 2025 West Nile Virus Program: Council supported the report recommending approval for larviciding as part of the 2025 West Nile Virus (WNV) Program. ​ The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has identified ongoing risks of WNV in the region and issued a Notice of Action requiring municipalities to act, with GDG Environment Inc. selected to manage larviciding efforts. ​ Tecumseh’s budget includes $6,000 for its share of the program costs.

Records Retention By-Law : The Town of Tecumseh is updating its Records Retention By-Law to align with current legal and operational requirements. This new by-law, developed with input from all departments and compliance services from InfoPros, streamlines record management and ensures adherence to federal, provincial, and municipal regulations. It aims to protect valuable records, reduce risks, and improve accessibility. Council received the report and adopted By-Law 2025-051.

Resolution for Drainage Apportionment Agreements: Council approved the Drainage Apportionment Agreements for the properties listed in Attachment 1, ensuring fair billing for municipal drain maintenance. These agreements, signed by landowners, outline the share of drainage costs for subdivided properties, avoiding the need for an engineer's assessment under the Drainage Act. By-Law 2025-055 was given first, second, third and final reading.

Court of Revision Appointment-Lachance Drain: In accordance with the Drainage Act, Council received a report to appoint one of its members, as well as an alternate, to the City of Windsor Court of Revision to hear appeals on the assessment from the Engineer’s Report in relation to improvements to the Lachance Drain. The City of Windsor has scheduled a Meeting to Consider the Lachance Drain (Banwell Road Improvement) Drainage Report on April 14, 2025. Following this meeting, it is anticipated that a Court of Revision will be held where the appointed Tecumseh representative will sit as a member.  Council approved the report and appointed Councillor Houston, with Councillor Jobin as an alternate.

2024 Vehicle- Award of Single Axle Snow Plow: Council awarded the purchase of a Single Axle Plow in the amount of $388,001 plus HST to Viking Cives and approved a budget increase of $63,071 from the Fleet Life Cycle Reserve. A Single Axle Plow is a primary piece of equipment used for all winter control and snow removal throughout the Town.  Pricing for all large size equipment has become unpredictable and continues to increase at higher than expected rates due to many factors including supply chain issues and global exchange rates.   Council approved the report and budget adjustment.

Lacasse Park Telus Cellular Tower Agreement: Council received a report regarding installation of a cellular tower by Telus Communications Inc. (Telus) in Lacasse Park to assist with addressing coverage challenges and network congestion.  The report presented an agreement with Telus, including a minimum 10-year period with options to renew for a total lease period of 20 years, and compensation to the Town in the amount of $17,000 + HST per year with adjustments for inflation. Coverage quality in the Tecumseh-Lakeshore area along Lake St. Clair has been impacted by increased development and the replacement of traditional land lines with cellular technology.  To address coverage issues, Telus has proposed the installation of a 35m cellular tower centrally located in Lacasse Park adjacent to the parking lot and the Tecumseh Pool. Once the agreement is approved, Telus will conduct a public notification and consultation process including notice to any landowner within 105m of the proposed site. Construction of the tower is anticipated to be complete before the end of 2025.  Council authorized signing the agreement with Telus.

Next Regular Meeting: The next regular meeting of Council is May 13, 2024. The agenda and livestream will be available on the Town’s website. Follow the Town of Tecumseh on Facebook and X for news and the latest information.